Medicine - Respiratory Flashcards
how can lung cancer be classified histologically? what % of total lung cancers are each of them?
- non-small cell lung cancer, 80%| - small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 20%
2 types of non-small cell lung cancer?
- squamous cell carcinoma| - adenocarcinoma (more likely in a non-smoker)
which type of lung cancer can give rise to paraneoplastic syndromes? how?
- SCLC| - the cells have granules which secrete neuroendocrine hormones
presentation of lung cancer?
NAME?
which lymph nodes are enlarged first typically in lung cancer?
supraclavicular ones
first line investigation in lung cancer? what are the findings?
NAME?
investigations in lung cancer?
NAME?
when is surgical management used in lung cancer? what types are there?
NAME?
management of SCLC? prognosis?
NAME?
palliative treatment options for lung cancer?
NAME?
complications of lung cancer relating to compression and hormone secretion?
compression: - recurrent laryngeal palsy- phrenic nerve palsy- SVCO- horner’s syndrome hormonal:- SIADH- cushing’s syndrome - hypercalcaemia - limbic encephalitis - lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome
how can lung cancer cause nerve palsy? which nerves are commonly affected?
NAME?
presentation of SVC obstruction?
- facial swelling - difficulty breathing - distended veins in neck and upper chest- pemberton’s sign
what is pemberton’s sign? is it significant?
- raising the hands over the head causes facial congestion and cyanosis - medical emergency!
how can lung cancer cause horner’s syndrome?
pancoast tumour compressing the sympathetic ganglion
presentation of horner’s syndrome?
triad:- partial ptosis - anhidrosis- miosis
what is a pancoast’s tumour?
tumour in the apex of the lung
how can lung cancer cause SIADH? key finding on bloods?
- SCLC tumour secreting ectopic ADH| - hyponatraemia
how can lung cancer cause cushing’s syndrome?
SCLC secreting ectopic ACTH
how can lung cancer cause hypercalcaemia?
squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCLC) secreting ectopic PTH
describe limbic encephalitis
NAME?
pathophysiology of lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome?
antibodies created against SCLC cells but which also happen to attack voltage-gated Ca channels in motor neurones
presentation of lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome?
NAME?
top differential for lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome?
- myasthenia gravis| - onset is more insidious and symptoms less pronounced in lambert-eaton
which cells are affected in mesothelioma?
mesothelial cells of the pleura
biggest risk factor for mesothelioma?
- asbestos inhalation / exposure| - latent period as long as 45 years
management of mesothelioma? prognosis?
- palliative chemotherapy| - very poor
finding on CXR in pneumonia?
consolidation
what is hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)?
pneumonia which develops >48h after hospital admission
different types of pneumonia?
NAME?
presentation of pneumonia?
NAME?
findings in a set of obs in pnuemonia?
NAME?
lung signs on examination in pneumonia?
NAME?
describe bronchial breathing
harsh breathing, equally loud on inspiration and expiration
scoring system for severity and risk of mortality from pneumonia in hospital? in community?
- CURB-65 in hospital| - urea not checked out of hospital (CRB-65)
different parts of CURB-65?
- Confusion, new onset- Urea >7- RR >30- BP <90 systolic, <60 diastolic - 65 or above years old
which CURB-65 score determines which treatment?
- 0-1 = home treatment - 2 = hospital admission - 3 or more = ICU care
commonest bacterial causes of pneumonia?
- strep pneumoniae (50%)| - H. influenzae (20%)
which organism causes pneumonia in immunocompromised / COPD patients?
moraxella catarrhalis
which organisms cause pneumonia in CF patients?
- pseudomonas aeruginosa| - staph aureus
who is at higher risk of pneumonia from pseudomonas aeruginosa?
- CF patients| - bronchiectasis patients
define atypical pneumonia
pneumonia caused by an organism which cannot be cultured in the normal way or detected by gram stain
which ABx should be used on atypical pneumonia?
macrolides
organisms which cause atypical pneumonia?
NAME?
how is legionella pneumophila contracted? how does it present?
NAME?
how does mycoplasma pneumoniae infection present?
- mild pneumonia - erythema multiforme (“target” lesions)- warm-type AIHA
which demographic typically gets chlamydia pneumoniae infection? how does it present?
- school aged children - chronic cough and wheeze- (be careful because this is a common presentation!)
another name for coxiella burnetii infection? how does it spread?
- Q fever- animal bodily fluids- e.g. “farmer with a flu”
Legions of psittaci MCQs: 5 causes of atypical pneumonia?
NAME?
which organism could cause a fungal pneumonia?
pneumocystis jiroveci
which patients are at risk of pnuemocystis jiroveci pneumonia?
- immunocompromised| - e.g. HIV+ with low CD4 count
presentation of fungal pneumonia?
NAME?
management of fungal pneumonia?
- co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)
how can fungal pneumonia be prevented?
all HIV+ pts with CD4 count <200 are given prophylactic co-trimoxazole alongside their regular ART
investigations for pneumonia? findings?
- CXR (consolidation)- FBC (raised WCC)- UEs (urea for CURB-65)- CRP (raised)
extra investigations done in severe pneumonia?
NAME?
when might CRP be low in pneumonia? why?
- immunocompromised patients| - they can’t mount an immune response
management of severe pneumonia?
NAME?
management of mild CAP?
5 day oral course of either:- amoxicillin - macrolide
management of mod-sev CAP?
7-10 day course of BOTH amoxicillin AND a macrolide
SPELD: complications of pneumonia?
NAME?
3 outcome measures of lung function tests?
NAME?
in spirometry, what is reversible testing?
giving a bronchodilator (salbutamol) before doing the breathing exercises
what is FEV1? when is it reduced?
- forced expiratory volume in 1 second- volume of air a person can forcefully exhale in 1 second- reduced in lung obstruction
what is FVC? when is it reduced?
NAME?
how is obstructive lung disease diagnosed?
FEV1/ FVC <0.75
examples of obstructive lung disease?
NAME?
FEV1/FVC in restrictive lung disease? explain this
- FEV1/FVC >0.75 (normal or raised)| - they’re both equally reduced, so the ratio doesn’t change
describe restrictive lung disease
restriction in lung’s ability to expand
examples / causes of restrictive lung diseases?
NAME?
when is peak flow (PEFR) useful?
to demonstrate obstruction in asthma
how is peak flow measured?
- stand tall and take a deep breath in- make a good seal with the device- blow hard and fast ;)- 3 attempts, take the best one
how is the peak flow result interpreted?
- predicted peak flow obtained from chart| - record it as % of actual over predicted
factors taken into account in predicted peak flow?
NAME?
what is asthma?
chronic inflammatory condition where there is bronchoconstriction in exacerbations
how does asthma cause obstruction? is this reversible?
NAME?
how is obstruction in asthma reversed?
bronchodilator (salbutamol)
triggers of bronchoconstriction in asthma?
NAME?
presentation of asthma?
NAME?
what is heard on auscultation in asthma?
bilateral widespread polyphonic wheeze
what are the first line investigations in asthma diagnosis according to NICE?
- fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)| - spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility
second line investigations in asthma diagnosis?
- peak flow variability| - direct bronchial challenge with histamine / methacholine
full form of SABA? how long does the effect of a SABA last? what is the inhaler commonly called? example?
- short acting beta 2 agonist- only lasts 1-2 hours- “reliever”, “rescue”- salbutamol
example of an ICS? how do they work? what is the inhaler commonly called?
- beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone - reduces inflammation in airway- “maintenance”, “preventer”
full form of LABA? example? what is the difference between LABA and SABA?
- long acting beta 2 agonist- salmeterol- same MOA but LABA lasts much longer
full form of LAMA? example? how does it work?
NAME?
full form of LTRA? example? how does it work?
NAME?
what are the effects of leukotrienes?
NAME?
how does theophylline work?
- relaxes bronchial smooth muscle| - reduces inflammation
why does theophylline need to be monitored? how is it monitored?
- narrow therapeutic window, can cause toxicity- check blood theophylline levels 5 days after starting treatment - check 3 days after each dose change
what does MART stand for in asthma treatment? why is it useful?
NAME?
step 1 in NICE asthma treatment ladder?
SABA (salbutamol), PRN
step 2 in NICE asthma treatment ladder?
add low dose ICS (beclometasone)
step 3 in NICE asthma treatment ladder? how does SIGN/BTS differ here?
- NICE: add LABA (salmeterol)| - SIGN/BTS: add LTRA (montelukast)
step 4 in NICE asthma treatment ladder?
consider adding one of these:- LTRA (montelukast)- theophylline- PO SABA (salbutamol)- LAMA (tiotropium)
step 5 in NICE asthma treatment ladder?
increase ICS from low dose to high dose
step 6 in NICE asthma treatment ladder?
add oral steroids
other than regular medication, what else is part of asthma management?
NAME?
presentation of acute asthma exacerbation?
NAME?
signs on auscultation in acute asthma exacerbation?
- symmetrical expiratory wheeze| - “tight” chest sounds (reduced air entry)
how are acute asthma exacerbations graded?
NAME?
features of a moderate acute asthma exacerbation?
- peak flow 50-75% of predicted- normal speech- RR <25/min- pulse <110/min
features of a severe acute asthma exacerbation?
- peak flow is 33-50% of predicted- RR >25- HR >110- unable to complete a sentence
features of a life-threatening acute asthma exacerbation?
- peak flow isn <33% of predicted- O2 sats <92%- becoming tired- silent chest (no wheeze)- haemodynamic instability (shock)
management of a moderate acute asthma exacerbation?
- nebulised salbutamol 5mg, repeat as much as needed- nebulised ipratropium bromide - PO pred or IV hydrocortisone for 5 days - ABx if bacterial cause suspected
management of a severe acute asthma exacerbation?
- O2 to maintain sats of 94-98%- aminophylline infusion - consider IV salbutamol
management of a life-threatening acute asthma exacerbation?
NAME?
ABG findings in an acute asthma exacerbation? why?
- respiratory alkalosis (drop in CO2 from tachypnoea)| - normal pCO2 means they are tiring and retaining more CO2
why is respiratory acidosis a worrying finding on ABG in asthma?
it means they have high CO2 because they’re not blowing any of it off
how is treatment response monitored in acute asthma exacerbations?
NAME?
which electrolyte needs to be monitored in patients on salbutamol? why?
- serum K+| - salbutamol causes K+ to move from blood into cells
define COPD
non-reversible, long term obstruction in air flow through the lungs caused by damage to lung tissue
presentation of COPD?
NAME?
main risk factor for COPD?
smoking
how can breathlessness be assessed?
MRC dyspnoea scale
describe the 5 grades of the MRC dyspnoea scale
- 1 = breathless on strenuous exercise- 2 = breathless on walking uphill- 3 = breathessness that slows walking on the flat- 4 = stops to catch breath after walking 100m on the flat- 5 = unable to leave the house due to breathlessness
how is COPD diagnosed?
both of:- clinical picture - spirometry showing: FEV1/FVC <0.7
results of spirometry reversibility testing in COPD?
no dramatic reversal with salbutamol
how can the severity of obstruction in COPD be assessed?
look at the FEV1 compared to the predicted value
investigations (other than spirometry) and findings in COPD?
NAME?
what is TLCO?
transfer factor for carbon monoxide
non-drug management of COPD?
NAME?
step 1 in drug management of COPD?
SABA (salbutamol) or SAMA (ipratropium)
step 2 in COPD management with NO features of asthma / response to steroids?
- combined inhaler| - includes LABA and a LAMA
which add-on meds can be used in COPD management?
NAME?
what determines step 2 of COPD medical management?
- whether they have features of asthma| - whether it is steroid-responsive
step 2 in COPD management with features of asthma / response to steroids? if this fails?
NAME?
indications for long-term O2 therapy use in COPD?
NAME?
significant contraindication for O2 therapy?
smoking! fire hazard
presentation of COPD exacerbation?
acute worsening of:- cough - SOB- sputum production - wheeze
what causes a COPD exacerbation?
viral / bacterial infection
ABG findings in someone acutely retaining CO2? why? what is this called?
NAME?
ABG findings in someone chronically retaining CO2? why?
- raised bicarbonate| - kidneys compensate for the acid by producing something alkaline
ABG findings in type 1 resp failure?
- low pO2| - normal pCO2
ABG findings in type 2 resp failure?
- low pO2| - high pCO2
investigations in COPD exacerbation?
NAME?
why does O2 therapy need careful monitoring if someone is retaining CO2? how is it done?
NAME?
target O2 sats in CO2 retainers?
88-92% titrated by venturi mask
target O2 sats in COPD patient NOT retaining CO2?
> 94%
treatment of COPD exacerbation at home?
- pred 30mg for 7-14 days - regular inhalers / nebulisers - ABx if signs of infection
treatment of COPD exacerbation in hospital?
NAME?
management of COPD exacerbation not responding to first line treatment?
NAME?
what are the types of non-invasive ventilation (NIV)?
- BiPAP| - CPAP
what does BiPAP stand for? when is it indicated?
- bilevel positive airway pressure - type 2 resp failure - patient must have resp acidosis despite medication
contraindications for BiPAP?
- untreated pneumothorax| - any other serious pathology affecting face / airway / GI tract
imaging done before BiPAP? why?
- CXR| - to rule out pneumothorax
what does CPAP stand for?
continuous positive airway pressure
indications for CPAP?
NAME?
describe interstitial lung disease (ILD)
NAME?
diagnostic investigation for ILD? findings?
- high-res CT (HRCT)| - ground glass appearance
prognosis in ILD?
- poor| - the fibrosis is irreversible
management of ILD? hint: supportive
NAME?
what is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- pulmonary fibrosis without a clear cause| - type of interstitial lung disease
typical demographic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
those aged >50 years old
presentation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- insidious onset over >3 months- SOB- dry cough
signs O/E in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- bibasal fine inspiratory crackles| - finger clubbing
prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- poor| - life expectancy of 2-5 years
2 medications which can slow progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- pirfenidone| - nintedanib
drugs which can cause pulmonary fibrosis?
NAME?
which conditions can pulmonary fibrosis be secondary to?
NAME?
what is the other name for extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA)?
hypersensitivity pneumonitis
describe EAA?
NAME?
investigation in EAA? findings
NAME?
what does bronchoalveolar lavage involve? when is it used?
NAME?
4 specific causes of EAA? what is each one called?
- bird droppings (bird-fanciers lung)- mould spores in hay (farmers lung)- mushroom antigens (mushroom workers lung)- mould spores in barley (malt workers lung)
what is asbestosis?
lung fibrosis caused by inhaling asbestos
conditions caused by asbestos inhalation?
NAME?
what is a pleural effusion?
collection of fluid in the pleural space
what is an exudative pleural effusion?
there is >3g/L (high) protein in the fluid
causes of exudative pleural effusion? (hint: inflammation)
think inflammation:- lung cancer- pneumonia - RA- TB
what is a transudative pleural effusion?
there is <3g/L (low) protein in the fluid
causes of transudative pleural effusion? (hint: fluid shift)
think of things causing fluid to move:- CCF- hypoalbuminaemia (nephrotic syndrome)- hypothyroidism - Meig’s syndrome
what is Meig’s syndrome?
R-sided pleural effusion with ovarian malignancy
presentation (including O/E) of pleural effusion?
NAME?
findings on CXR in pleural effusion?
NAME?
what can be tested for in a sample of pleural effusion fluid?
NAME?
management of pleural effusion?
NAME?
what is empyema? when should you suspect it?
- an infected pleural effusion| - when someone comes in with pneumonia-like signs but they are not responding to ABx
findings on aspiration of empyema?
- pus- acidic pH (<7.2)- low glucose- high LDH
management of empyema?
- chest drain| - ABx
describe pneumothorax
air in the pleural space separating the lung from the chest wall
causes of pneumothorax?
NAME?
what are the iatrogenic causes of pneumothorax?
NAME?
which lung pathologies could cause a pneumothorax?
NAME?
investigations in pneumothorax?
- erect CXR| - CT thorax ( for smaller ones not seen on CXR)
management of pneumothorax where there is no SOB and there is a <2cm rim of air on CXR?
NAME?
management of pneumothorax where there is SOB +/- rim of air is >2cm on CXR?
NAME?
what is a tension pneumothorax? what causes it?
NAME?
signs (including O/E) of tension pneumothorax?
NAME?
main complication of tension pneumothorax?
cardiorespiratory arrest
management of tension pneumothorax?
- insert a large bore cannula into the 2nd IC space in the midclavicular line - once some pressure is relieved, insert chest drain- do NOT wait for investigations
describe the borders of the “triangle of safety”. why is this space important?
- 5th IC space- mid-axillary line - anterior axillary line - this is where chest drains are inserted
what is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
- a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries| - usually secondary to a DVT which has travelled
risk factors for developing VTE?
- recent surgery - long haul flights - pregnancy- oestrogen therapy- malignancy (hypercoagulable state!)- polycythaemia - SLE - thrombophilia
what prophylaxis is offered to patients at risk of VTE?
- LMWH (enoxaparin)| - compression stockings
main contraindication for compression stockings?
peripheral arterial disease
contraindications for LMWH?
- active bleeding| - anyone on warfarin / NOAC (anticoag)
presentation of PE?
- cough +/- blood - pleuritic chest pain- hypoxia - tachycardia - tachypnoea - low grade fever - haemodynamic instability- hypotension
what can be calculated if you suspect a PE?
wells score
which factors are taken into account for wells score?
NAME?
how is the wells score outcome interpreted in suspected PE?
- PE likely: CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA)| - PE unlikely: D-dimer
what is the next investigation in suspected PE if D-dimer is positive? hint: different for renal impairment
- CTPA| - if renal impairment: VQ scan
diagnostic investigations for PE?
- CTPA| - VQ scan (ventilation-perfusion)
what does the ABG pH show in PE? why?
NAME?
2 main causes of resp alkalosis?
- PE| - hyperventilation syndrome
supportive management in PE?
NAME?
medical management of PE?
- IV fluids / oxygen if needed- start off with rivaroxaban + LMWH (dalteparin)- then long-term anticoag (warfarin or NOAC) for 3 months - carry on for longer if unsure of cause / malignancy present
is D-dimer sensitive / specific to VTE?
- sensitive but not specific| - if low, unlikely to be VTE but if raised can be something else
causes of a raised D-dimer?
NAME?
management of a massive PE with haemodynamic instability? which agents can be used for this?
NAME?
causes of pulmonary hypertension?
NAME?
presentation of pulmonary HTN?
NAME?
investigations for pulmonary HTN?
NAME?
ECG changes in pulmonary HTN?
- RV hypertrophy - R axis deviation- RBBB
CXR changes seen in pulmonary HTN?
- dilated pulmonary arteries| - RV hypertrophy
prognosis in pulmonary HTN?
- poor| - 30% life expectancy at 5 years post-diagnosis
treatment for primary pulmonary HTN?
- IV prostanoids (epoprostenol)- endothelial receptor antagonists (macitentan)- phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil)
complications of pulmonary HTN?
NAME?
management of secondary pulmonary HTN?
manage the underlying cause
what is sacrdoidosis?
- granulomatous inflammatory condition| - gives chest signs and extrapulmonary signs
what do the granulomas in sarcoidosis contain?
macrophages
demographics affected by sarcoidosis?
- 2 spikes in incidence- young adulthood and 60s - F>M- Black people more affected
organs affected by sarcoidosis? (hint: literally everything)
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the lungs?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the liver?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the eyes?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause on the skin?
NAME?
systemic signs of sarcoidosis?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the heart?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the kidneys?
NAME?
what can sarcoidosis cause in the nervous system? (hint: split into central and peripheral)
central: - diabetes insipidus (pituitary)- encephalopathy peripheral:- bell’s palsy- mononeuritis multiplex
what can sarcoidosis cause in the bones?
NAME?
what is lofgren’s syndrome?
a specific presentation of sarcoidosis
presentation of lofgren’s syndrome? hint: triad
NAME?
differentials for sarcoidosis?
NAME?
investigations and findings for sarcoidosis?
NAME?
findings of blood tests in sarcoidosis?
- raised serum ACE (screening) - raised Ca - raised IL-2 receptor- raised CRP- raised Ig
gold standard investigation to diagnose sarcoidosis?
biopsy and histology
what is seen on histology in sarcoidosis?
non-caseating granulomas with epithelioid cells
management of asymptomatic / mild sarcoidosis?
- nothing| - resolves spontaneously
1st line treatment of symptomatic sarcoidosis? 2nd line?
- PO steroids for 6-24 months - give bisphosphonates concurrently (stops osteoporosis) - 2nd line: methotrexate or azathioprine - lung transplant if severe lung disease
prognosis of sarcoidosis?
- good- 60% resolve spontaneously in 6 months - in some patients goes on to cause pul fibrosis / HTN
what causes obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
collapse of the pharyngeal airway in sleep
risk factors for OSA?
NAME?
features of OSA?
NAME?
describe an apnoeic episode
- the person stops breathing for a few minutes| - typically unaware of this themselves
complications of OSA?
NAME?
investigations for OSA?
- sleep studies| - done by ENT specialists or sleep clinics
management of OSA?
NAME?
ECG changes seen in PE?
- sinus tachycardia - R-axis deviation- complete / partial RBBB- S waves in lead I- Q waves in lead III- T wave inversion in lead III
what is ARDS? explain the pathophysiology of it
NAME?
risk factors for ARDS? hint: most common first and there’s a LOT
NAME?
features of ARDS?
NAME?
signs O/E of ARDS?
- cyanosis| - bilateral fine inspiratory crackles
management of ARDS?
NAME?
differentials for a “white out” on CXR?
NAME?
differentials for a “white out” on CXR where the trachea is central?
NAME?
differentials for a “white out” on CXR where the trachea is PULLED towards it?
NAME?
differentials for a “white out” on CXR where the trachea is PUSHED away from it?
NAME?
poor prognostic factor in CF?
chronic infection with either:- pseudomonas- burkholderia
indications for corticosteroids in sarcoidosis?
NAME?
what is bronchiectasis?
permanent dilation of bronchi / bronchioles from chronic infection
main causative organisms of pts affected by bronchiectasis?
NAME?
causes of bronchiectasis?
NAME?
presentation of bronchiectasis?
NAME?
findings on spirometry in bronchiectasis?
obstructive pattern
findings on CXR in bronchiectasis?
- tramlines| - ring shadows
features of legionnaire’s disease?
NAME?